Subway files defamation suit against CBC over chicken reports

Company alleges tests conducted for CBC on its chicken 'lacked scientific rigour'

Subway calls a CBC Marketplace report false and misleading for saying that chicken sold at some of the chain's southern Ontario outlets was roughly half soy.
(CBC)

Subway has filed a $210 million defamation lawsuit against the CBC alleging reports about the sandwich chain's chicken have caused it to suffer significant sales losses.

In a statement of claim filed with a Toronto court earlier this month, Subway takes issue with television and online reports as well as tweets published by the broadcaster, which it alleges were meant to discredit the company and its products.

Subway alleges the CBC acted "recklessly and maliciously" in airing a Marketplace report in February that said DNA tests suggested some chicken products served by the chain could contain only 50 per cent chicken or less.

The company further alleges the tests conducted on the chicken "lacked scientific rigour," were conducted without appropriate methods by people without proper training and then interpreted by people who also lacked training.

"These false statements ... were published and republished, maliciously and without just cause or excuse, to a global audience, which has resulted in pecuniary loss to the plaintiffs," the claim says.

Subway alleges its reputation and brand have taken a hit as a result of the CBC reports. It is also seeking recovery of out-of-pocket expenses it says were incurred as part of efforts to mitigate its losses.

None of the allegations made by the fast food chain have been proven in court and the CBC says it will defend itself against the lawsuit, which also names as defendants the reporter and two producers who worked on the program.